Russian Communist Party Proposes Two-Year Moratorium on Utility Tariff Increases

18:10; 16 February 2026 year

### Russian Communist Party Proposes Moratorium on Utility Bill Hikes A group of deputies from the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (CPRF) in the State Duma have proposed a moratorium on increases in utility bills until March 1, 2028. The bill was submitted for consideration on Monday. The explanatory note to the bill states that the current Russian Housing Code allows for increases in utility bills within the limits of established indices, which vary by region. The adoption of the proposal would stabilize the situation in the housing and utilities sector, reduce the burden on citizens, and help them plan their expenses. Yuri Afonin, a State Duma deputy, commented to BUSINESS JOURNAL that the increase in utility tariffs "depresses economic growth because it is factored into the price of all goods and services and increases the costs of all businesses." "**In 2026, utility tariffs will increase twice. The first increase, relatively small, occurred in January, and the second, very sharp, is scheduled for October—immediately after the State Duma elections... Advocates of further increases in utility tariffs have a common explanation: allegedly, Russian residents still do not pay 100% of the real cost of utilities. But this contradicts official statistics**," Afonin noted, adding that according to Rosstat data, utility tariffs have increased "dozens of times since 2000, while official inflation was only eightfold." Afonin emphasized that the initiative is aimed at supporting low-income families and pensioners.

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